Fractures

What are the symptoms of a bone fracture?

The symptoms of a fracture depend on the fracture location and type. Fractures are usually associated with:

• Tenderness or swelling
• Pain when bearing weight or during movement
• Immediate pain following an injury, fall, or collision

With a foot or ankle fracture, you might also experience a reduced range of motion and functionality, and you might have some difficulty walking.

What are the types of fractures?

There are a few different types of fractures.

Stress fractures

Repetitive musculoskeletal stress, such as running, can cause stress fractures. Stress fractures are especially common with aging and for those with weak and vulnerable bones and osteoporosis.

Compound fracture

A compound fracture is a severe fracture that results in bone protruding through the skin. This can be painful and alarming. Exposure of the bone and tissue risks contamination and infection.

High-impact injuries usually result in compound fractures. People with osteoporosis and especially brittle and weak bones can have the same outcome even with subtle movements and falls.

Compression fractures

Compression fractures happen in the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Most commonly, osteoporosis causes these tiny painful cracks.

What is the treatment for fractures in the feet and ankles?

Your Dr. Simon Becker DPM podiatrist might recommend several treatments for your foot or ankle fracture.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can be helpful to assist the healing process, reduce inflammation, and for boosting your general health, such as a nutrient-dense diet and stress management.

Assistive orthotic devices

Assistive orthotic devices can reduce your pain and stabilize and support the area.

Medications

Effective medications can relieve swelling and pain, such as steroids and anti-inflammatories.

Dr. Simon Becker DPM also creates custom orthotics and recommends physiotherapy to improve strength and functioning.

Since your bones heal naturally, the proper alignment is the important first step to a successful recovery. Sometimes the bones have stayed in place and need casting to immobilize and protect them throughout the healing process.

In other cases, if the bone ends have moved and the positioning is disrupted, or several fractures have splintered bone pieces, your Dr. Simon Becker DPM podiatrist might suggest surgery as the best option.

A fracture repair is a surgical procedure your podiatrist performs to repair your fracture. They fix your broken bone, typically using pins, plates, nails, or screws, and might use bone grafts to assist healing.

Fractures can pose serious risks to your health and be overwhelmingly painful. For prompt and valuable podiatric care, call Dr. Simon Becker DPM or schedule online today.